Conquer Mt. Kili to Challenge Menstrual Taboos

Kariobangi Social Justice, in collaboration with Femme International and Vision Changers, successfully came together to celebrate International Women's Day at Kariobangi North Primary School in Kariobangi North, Nairobi.

 The primary objectives of the event were as follows:

Commemorating Women's Day by engaging with school-going girls aged between 10 and 14 years. Educating girls about the significance of this important day as part of their journey as young women heading towards adulthood and raising awareness about their rights.  Distributing menstrual hygiene products. The session was conducted in the school after the pupils had completed their exams for the day and were preparing to head home. The girls were divided into groups based on their classes, and members from the participating partner organizations formed teams of four to lead the sessions.

Femme International conducted a session on menstruation, primarily for the class 8 girls who were preparing for their national exams. Femme distributed 50 AFRIpads kits to those who expressed interest.

During the session, there was a request from teachers who felt left out due to the insufficient supply of pads for them. However, an opportunity was identified to include them in the program next year, as schools are closing for an extended holiday break. This initial session was relatively brief, and we couldn't reach a larger number of girls. Many girls expressed interest in AFRIpads, and we have agreed with the communication organization and the school to continue the program in 2024. This will allow us to conduct small, continuous sessions to reach every girl.

 Due to budget constraints, we were unable to distribute complete Femme kits to all participants, which included workbooks, soap, soap dishes, and towels. We are recommending and working on securing additional funds to support the distribution of full kits to better meet the needs of the girls.

 In conclusion, this workshop on menstrual health has been a transformative experience, empowering young girls with knowledge, confidence, and a sense of community. Let’s carry forward the openness and support cultivated here, breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation. May each girl embrace her menstrual journey with resilience and pride. Together we have laid the foundation for a healthier and more informed future.